Cruisin' the Crescent City

Saturday afternoon in NOLA was spent enjoying the beautiful (hot!) weather, taking a walk through Jackson Square, and a ferry ride across the river.

The beautiful St. Louis Cathedral is the centerpiece of Jackson Square, and makes a perfect picture against the bright blue sky. If you look closely, you'll see that it's actually Coach Sean Payton standing there in front of the fountain.

As you might know, Coach Payton was suspended for the year as coach of the Saints. Friends, fans, and players who miss the coach are trying our best to keep the faith and carry on without him. Fleurty Girl, a New Orleans merchant, has been giving 'coach on a stick' to fans who make a trip to the store. On Saturday morning, they had a fresh shipment available, 2 per person, to help folks get ready for the big game.

St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States.

It was named for the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson.

Near the riverwalk, we saw this sign welcoming the convention to town. Yes, the AARP convention was in New Orleans last weekend. We felt right at home on Bourbon Street with all the other senior citizens. Just joking of course. Kind of.

The riverboat Natchez was boarding passengers for a tour.

We did not board the Natchez, but instead took the Algiers Ferry across the river to Algiers Point on the West Bank.

There is a great view of the cathedral looking back across the river.

The ferry crosses at the river's natural crescent, and makes it clear how New Orleans came to be called the 'Crescent City.'

Looking across to the business district.

The ferry is free for passengers, and $1 for cars making the return from the West Bank to Canal Street. The ferry was not taking cars while we were there, and the West Bank pedestrian bridge was closed due to damage from Hurricane Isaac.

We stopped for a refreshment at the Crown and Anchor English Pub, where I enjoyed a Pimm's Cup. And yes, it is garnished with a cucumber.

Jim checked out the Jazz Walk of Fame along the riverfront, where he used his cell phone to make calls to learn about the musicians along the way. At least that's what he told me he was doing with his cell phone. :)

Of course, Louis Armstrong was there.

And as we were heading back, the Natchez was cruising down the river.

A tugboat was pushing a barge.

And Coach Payton was along for the ride.

We had a quick stop for a snack at Cafe du Monde. Beignets are a necessary treat while in New Orleans.

And we even enjoyed the rooftop pool back at the hotel.

Evening was spent in the French Quarter, where the statue of Jesus casts a shadow on the back of St. Louis Cathedral. Two large oak trees were lost from this garden during Hurricane Katrina, but the statue lost only a thumb and forefinger. Locals say that the statue of Jesus sacrificed two fingers while flicking the storm away and saving the city from total destruction.

Another stop for chargrilled oysters, this time at Desire Oyster Bar, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

And we finished up the evening with a Category 5 Hurricane. The only kind of hurricane I care to experience!